Solar Scam Prevention
They’re at it again! The solar scammers have infiltrated SECO Energy’s service territory. They claim to be working with SECO. They state that your electric bills are averaging a certain dollar amount. They sound credible; they’re not! The dialogue is all too familiar and for this reason SECO says, “Beware.” If it sounds too good to be true, it typically is too good to be true.
SECO Energy knows how scammers work. Too often, the Cooperative is contacted by members who have spent their hard-earned dollars on solar panels and are disappointed that they are not saving significant money on their electric bills. Although solar technology continues to improve and the price of panels and installation has decreased, it is still a hefty investment. The initial cost for a solar photovoltaic system is sizable compared to the savings on a member’s monthly electric bill – even with the current tax incentives. Traditional electricity supplied by your utility is still the best value, but SECO is happy to help walk members through the process of a solar installation at their homes or businesses.
When contemplating solar, there is so much to consider. What works for one person may not work for another. Your location may or may not be conducive to solar energy production. Don’t let a scammer’s one-size-fits-all approach convince you to make a hasty decision. Before engaging a contractor, contact SECO’s Energy Services Specialists. These experts are trained at the Florida Solar Energy Center, and they have tools to help determine if solar is beneficial for you. SECO also suggests that you solicit bids from a minimum of three reputable solar installers. The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association website (www.FLASEIA.org) has a complete list of recommended contractors.
If you would like to live the “Solar Life” but don’t want to make a big financial investment, SECO has an option for you. The Cooperative’s “Solar Life” program requires no upfront investment in panels, no roof holes, no insurance and no maintenance costs. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions. And no need to cut trees in hopes of increasing rooftop solar production. Subscriptions in the “Solar Life” program carry no cancellation fee and no minimum term. The cost is $32 a month for four panels and the kilowatt hours generated reduces the amount of utility-supplied power. Enroll in the “Solar Life” program today here..
If you would like more information, visit our Solar Power section. Contact SECO through our website’s Contact Us form. Or call (800) 732-6141 and speak with a representative today. SECO can help you separate fact from fiction and not become a victim.
I’ve been a SECO customer for many, many years. I have been a barrage of phone calls from solar energy companies and it is annoying, primarily due to the volume of calls. I am curious about your solar life program.
Several times in the past during hurricanes or heavy storms – we have lost power. Sometimes for several days. I am wondering if solar power would allow you to run some essentials when there is a power outage.
Thanks Tammy Logston
Thank you for reaching out, Tammy. Solar systems don’t typically provide your home with power during a utility outage. Solar systems are installed with a safety feature – an automatic shut-off that activates during outages. This is a safety feature to prevent a member’s system from generating and backfeeding energy to the grid and injuring utility workers. There is an exception to this rule – solar systems that include battery back-up or high-tech inverters may operate during a power outage.
If you would like to learn more about solar power and member generation, visit our Solar Power page online: https://secoenergy.com/solar/.
Thank you for being a loyal SECO member!